More Democratic Fallout

Our Towns

Middletown

October 11, 1995

Middletown Treasurer David Gallitto's decision to give up his place on the Democratic ticket in November ought to alarm the party's rank and file and wake up its leadership. Mr. Gallitto, a longtime party stalwart, was unwilling to withstand the personal toll that his divided party took on him after the hard-fought mayoral primary.

Mr. Gallitto, who joined the Democratic Town Committee 15 years ago, has strong ties to Mayor Thomas J. Serra. Mr. Gallitto's father was involved in politics and was a teacher of Mr. Serra. Mr. Gallitto, who also is a member of the town committee's executive board, was involved in the appointments Mr. Serra made to committees and commissions. Yet unlike many Serra loyalists, Mr. Gallitto was still able to accept Maria Madsen Holzberg's victory in the party primary. He believes in the democratic process and realizes party unity depends on accepting the will of the voters.

Dropping out of the election meant that Mr. Gallitto no longer would have to attempt publicly to bridge the Serra and Holzberg factions -- something akin to holding on to the rails of two boats in heavy seas.

He decided that committing to one side or the other would only widen the gulf between the factions and that staying in the middle was untenable.

His departure, however, means that the party has one less voice of reason cutting through the din of disappointment expressed by Mr. Serra's supporters.

Republicans, who have rallied around Emanuel ``Puddy'' Pattavina after his primary win, can only be pleased with Democrats who fail to offer their support to the party's candidate. The lesson here is: Fight the good fight, then move on.